Gros Ventre Range Backcountry Road
Remote Wyoming wilderness with prime wildlife habitat
The Gros Ventre Range Backcountry Road opens up Wyoming’s wildest country east of Jackson Hole, where massive landslides and hidden valleys create some of the best wildlife habitat in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. This route follows old hunting and outfitter trails through sage-covered benches and aspen groves, passing the famous Gros Ventre Slide that dammed the river in 1925. Elk, moose, and bears use these corridors regularly, and the road surface varies from smooth ranch tracks to rocky two-tracks that’ll shake your fillings loose.
Moderate difficulty makes this accessible to stock high-clearance vehicles, though mud can trap the unwary during spring runoff and late-season storms. Late summer through early fall offers prime conditions when roads dry out and hunting season hasn’t started yet. No permits required, but respect private land boundaries and pack out everything you pack in. Jackson is your last fuel stop before heading into country where cell service disappears and the nearest help could be 50 miles away. You’ll experience Wyoming backcountry the way it was meant to be seen—wild, remote, and uncompromising.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 35 mi / 56.3 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 8400 ft |
| Best season | July-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Jackson, Wyoming |
| Land manager | U.S. Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Tacoma handle this trail without modifications?
Yes, a stock 4WD high-clearance vehicle is the minimum and will get you through under normal conditions. Aired-down tires help on the dirt surface, and a longer wheelbase rig may feel the ruts more on eroded sections.
When does the Gros Ventre road typically open and close each season?
July through October is the reliable window — snowpack can keep the high sections impassable well into June, and early fall storms can shut things down fast. Check with the Bridger-Teton National Forest before heading out, especially in shoulder months.
Do I need a permit to run this route or camp along it?
No permit is required to drive the route or use dispersed campsites on Bridger-Teton National Forest land. Follow standard Leave No Trace rules and camp 200 feet from water sources and the road.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The trail is rated moderate, but creek crossings after rain and soft, rutted sections in the valley floors are where things get real. Water crossings can deepen significantly after storms, so scout before you drive them — don't assume what looks shallow is.
There's no cell service — how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
Jackson is your last reliable fuel stop before heading in, roughly 20-30 miles from the start depending on your entry point. Fill up there, carry extra if your rig drinks it, and plan on being fully self-sufficient for the full 2-3 days — there's no bailout option mid-route.
Trail track
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